"I haven't updated my resume in almost five years and I don't even know where to begin. Is it worth it to hire a resume writer and how much do they usually charge?" – Cassie
The hardest part about maintaining a resume is keeping it current. A resume writer can help but she is still going to ask you to provide updated information. I suggest making changes yourself then get expert help to refine your work. It will be a more efficient use of the resume writer's time and a better value for you.
Updating Your Resume
- Start by updating your title(s) and responsibilities as well as big “wins” or results you’ve had at work over the last five years. If you can’t remember your accomplishments, check your performance reviews and look to complimentary emails you’ve received. I have a kudos file in which I store any email that offers kinds words/praise for my work.
- Another way to make your resume current is to add a summary at the top after your name and contact information. A summary is a short sentence or two describing your best qualities as a professional. This replaces the objective statement as it is obvious you are looking for a job. Here's an example from a resume writer to whom I've referred clients.
- Lastly, you’ll want to add a core skills section in bulleted form below your summary statement. The core skills should match the types of skills asked for in the job posting – of course only those skills you really possess. (More on resume ethics.) This section makes it easy for computer systems to scan your resume and highlight a match.
Resume writers can be very helpful for better articulating your value in the small amount of real estate you have on a resume. The price increases as your job level increases with quality resume writers charging $350-$500 per resume. For executives that range increases to $550-$800+.
Have you done anything unique to make your resume standout? What's the best resume advice you've ever received? I welcome your comments and ideas here and on Making a Living with Maggie, every Friday at 4p ET/1p PT on Martha Stewart Living Radio!
Photo courtesy of http://www.boiseinc.com.
From: Debra Wheatman | 5/11/10 at 7:18 pm
Maggie:
Thank you for posting the sample of the resume that I created for one of my clients. It is so important to highlight achievements in the resume. It is the first impression; given that hiring managers spend so little time reviewing the documents of candidates, it is imperative that both the resume and cover letter make an immediate impact.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC
dwheatman@resumesdonewrite.com
From: maggie Mistal | 5/12/10 at 10:02 pm
My pleasure Debra. For people who haven't updated their resumes in a while, it helps to see an example done by a professional such as yourself. Thanks for demystifying what a well written resume looks like. Your comment here and your advice shared on Making a Living with Maggie on Martha Radio are always appreciated!
From: chol caldito | 9/3/10 at 1:14 am
Hi Maggie,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge on career building. I've been following your work recently and it has been very helpful. I am planning to update my resume but the link you provided in this article is no longer working. Appreciate if you can share the sample again or send it to my email. Thanks a lot and more power to you!
Regards,
Chol
From: Begin to Uncover Your Personal Brand - Whole Living Daily : Whole Living | 9/28/10 at 12:38 pm
[...] job market, many people ask me how they can set themselves apart. Of course you need a well-written resume, professional interviewing skills and quality references. These are a given. However, to move [...]
From: Mage | 12/11/11 at 7:57 am
For Chol and others, the above link to a sample resume can be found here: http://careersdonewrite.com/hybrid-resume/. Sorry for the broken link!
-Maggie